California Woman Indicted for Failure to Pay Legal Child Support

US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an El Cajon, California, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Pay Legal Child Support.

Karla R. Atkins, a/k/a Karla R. Hanson, age 47, was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 3, 2011, for failing to pay over $33,000 in past due child support. She appeared before US Magistrate Judge John E. Simko on July 1, 2011, and pled not guilty to the indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is two years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and child support restitution amount owing at the time of sentencing. The charge is merely an accusation, and Atkins is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. Assistant US Attorneys Thomas J. Wright and Eric D. Kelderman are prosecuting the case. Karla R. Atkins, a/k/a Karla R. Hanson was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has been set for September 6, 2011.